A retirement reception for Jake Kirkland Jr. will be held July 6.

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs will host a reception from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Kauffman Great Hall. Remarks are scheduled for 4 p.m.

Kirkland, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Chadron State College, a master’s degree in counseling psychology and a doctorate in adult education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joined the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1981 and came to UNL in 1986.

During his 30 years at UNL, Kirkland served in multiple counseling and advisory roles in the counseling center and Career Services and most recently served as the interim director of OASIS and the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center and interim assistant to the vice chancellor for student affairs.

Kirkland is most proud of his role in helping to create the Students of Color Career Advisory Committee and the Alumni of Color Career Forum. His accolades include the Spirit of Nebraska Award, a Kudos Award from the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, the MLK Fulfilling the Dream Award, the James V. Griesen Chancellor’s Award for Exemplary Service to Students and honorary induction in the Innocents Society.

“Providing and supporting opportunities for students to grow and develop while encouraging them to pursue their dreams is most rewarding. I’ve greatly enjoyed serving as a positive role model for first generation students, students of color and marginalized students,” he said.

In his retirement, Kirkland plans to continue his volunteer activities with his church and community organizations, enhance his workout regimen, spend time with family and in the yard and possibly return to campus to teach a course in career development or business education.

The reception is free and open to the public.